Weekend Watchlist
New HBO Max Addition: Freaky Tales
The latest anthology from HBO Max may have slipped past the box office, but this kinetic comedy is poised to capture a streaming audience.
Three Underrated Picks on Stream
- Freaky Tales – A spirited action‑comedy anthology.
- Alien Entry – A fresh installment in the iconic franchise.
- Coming‑Out Dramedy – A heartwarming story about embracing identity.
Guides For Your Next Streaming Journey
- Best new movies to stream.
- Top movies on Netflix.
- Best titles on Hulu.
- Must‑watch movies on Amazon Prime Video.
Alien: Covenant (2017)
Alien: Covenant – Ridley Scott’s Final Draft in the Series
Ridley Scott’s closing chapter in the Alien saga, Alien: Covenant, has become synonymous with the film’s directorial imprint. Atari’s financial flop and Disney’s takeover of Fox likely nudged Scott away from future installments. Beyond the box office, Scott engineered an evocative Alien story, interlacing themes of creation, free will, and the audacious dream of playing God.
Plot Overview – A Decade After Prometheus
- The Covenant crew gathers on a mysterious planet almost a decade after the Prometheus expedition.
- They encounter David (Michael Fassbender), the lone survivor from the Prometheus crew.
- Humans discover the planet’s deadly pathogens, facehuggers, and neomorphs, yet the most alarming threat may come from their own ranks.
- While the aliens bring terror, Fassbender’s portrayal delivers the deepest chilling moments.
Watch Alien: Covenant on HBO Max
Stream Alien: Covenant on HBO Max.
Freaky Tales (2025)
Pedro Pascal Diffuses 2024 With a Surreal Slice of Indie
Imagine Pedro Pascal breezing through every feature this year. From New Mexico’s back alleys to the grandeur of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Emmy‑nominated star is leveraging his soaring fame like any top tier icon.
Among the blockbusters, Pascal landed in an eclectic anthology
- Freaky Tales—a melodic compendium by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck—offers a vibrant mosaic of characters.
- It juxtaposes Neo‑Nazis, a debt collector, a crooked cop, a rap duo, and an NBA superstar in delightfully unpredictable showdowns.
- Central to the narrative is the setting itself, with Boden and Fleck masterfully capturing the sonics and aesthetics of the ’80s.
Why “Freaky Tales” Resonates
Pascal’s involvement acts as a bridge between mainstream blockbusters and indie darlings, showcasing his versatility. The film’s distinct “80s” sonic palette, combined with its interconnected storylines, makes it a fresh addition to the current cinematic landscape.
Where to Watch
Stream Freaky Tales on HBO Max and immerse yourself in a nostalgic yet contemporary journey.
Am I OK? (2024)
Exploring Identity in “Am I Ok?”
In the coming‑of‑age feature Am I Ok?, Dakota Johnson takes on the role of Lucy, a spa employee whose life feels stuck between a monotonous job and a confusing love scene.
Friendship as a Guiding Light
- Lucy’s only anchor is her best friend, Jane (Sonoya Mizuno).
- When Jane announces her move to London, Lucy reveals a brave admission: she might be a lesbian.
- Encouraged by Jane, Lucy experiments with a fresh dating pool, encountering a mix of successes and setbacks.
Confronting Loss and Self‑Discovery
Lucy’s battle intensifies as she faces both the loss of Jane and the emergence of her sexuality. The combination fuels an emotional breakdown, providing Johnson with a chance for a nuanced, vulnerable performance.
Emphasizing the Power of Friendship
“Am I Ok?” stands out as an endearing, heartfelt coming‑of‑age tale. Its focus on the strength of friendship shines through, reminding viewers that companionship can be a compass during personal upheaval.
